Aseneskak Casino Guide
From the perspective of city dwellers, Aseneskak Casino is out in the middle of nowhere. However, it will feel just like home for people who are used to the wide expanses of northern Canada.
The Aseneskak is in Manitoba, on the shores of the passing Saskatchewan River on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation reserve. It’s a 20,000-square-foot gaming palace dedicated in and out to the sextet of First Nations peoples who own the Aseneskak, including the Sapotaweyak Cree and the Chemawawin Cree.
Table of Contents:
There are 172 gaming machines on site, which is possibly how Aseneskak got the nickname of The Best Little Casino in Canada. Inside, it’s decked out in wood and First Nations artwork. A giant teepee on the lawn greets visitors. You can even stay in one at the Kikiwak Inn across the road from the Aseneskak, depending on the time of year.
In this LeoVegas guide to the Aseneskak Casino, we'll cover how to get there and what to do when you arrive. It’s definitely more of a stopover for passing travellers than a must-visit locale like Las Vegas, but the Aseneskak is a friendly, welcoming place regardless of who walks through the door.
History and Background
Aseneskak Casino opened in Opaskwayak, north of The Pas, just after the millennium in February 2002. The Journal of Aboriginal Economic Development identifies it as Canada’s first provincial First Nations casino and a cornerstone of the Opaskwayak Cree’s economy. Approval came back in 1997 as part of a plan to build five First Nations casinos in Manitoba.
The seas have been rough at Aseneskak Casino ever since it opened. As recently as 2016, the establishment’s CEO expressed concern that the casino could not find a market in the local area and planned to close by 2018. This announcement came less than a week after two other companies, forestry firm Tolko Industries and port operator OmniTrax, revealed their escape plans. Ten percent of The Pas' workforce suddenly faced unemployment.
Eight years later, however, Aseneskak Casino is still present in Manitoba. A plan to move the gaming hub to Thompson, Manitoba, and then to Winnipeg courtesy of a deal with the Peguis First Nation, has yet to bear fruit, and the Aseneskak continues to operate at what it claims is reduced capacity. The casino has 172 gaming machines in use from a stock of 600. Similarly, it has space for 30 table games, but only six are currently on the floor.
Aseneskak Casino is in an awkward position in the Canadian wilderness, but it remains popular with guests and people in Opaskwayak and The Pas.
Location and Accessibility
Box 10250 Opaskwayak Manitoba R0B 2J0 Canada 204-627-2250
Opaskwayak has a population of around 7,000 on and off the reservation. Neighbouring The Pas is a small town of just over 5,000 people over the Bignell Bridge. The Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission claims that The Pas’ unusual name is a contraction of the Cree phrase "W'passkwayaw" or "like a wooded narrows".
Admittedly, there's not much to do in The Pas or Opaskwayak, but the area's natural beauty still shines. Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is the top attraction on TripAdvisor, followed by the Sam Waller Museum, The Pas Regional Library, and the Charlebois Heritage Museum.
Aseneskak Casino is 630 km from Winnipeg, the nearest major city, so it’s quite a trip away from urban Canada.
Foodies might find themselves spoiled for choice in Opaskwayak and The Pas, especially when it comes to the nearby hotels. Aseneskak Casino itself houses the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant, serving meals and snacks. Franchise coffee ends up everywhere, so there’s also a Tim Hortons south of the casino.
Transportation Options
Provincial Trunk Highway 10 serves Aseneskak Casino. It runs north and south through Opaskwayak and The Pas. A rail service connects to the latter town. Grace Lake Manitoba Airport is situated east of The Pas, providing infrequent flights to Winnipeg. The Pas Airport is 12 miles to the north.
Parking Facilities
Aseneskak Casino has a self-service parking area, and the official website says that RVs are "very welcome" for travellers who like to take their homes on the road. Guests can camp in the parking lot, but please check for availability and approval beforehand.
Gaming Options
Slot Machines
Whether the casino’s mention of 600 video slots-in-waiting is a marketing ploy or a genuine problem, the Aseneskak only has 172 machines on the floor.
This Canadian casino has at least one progressive slot, with four levels. This is a penny machine with a top prize of around CAD$2,000.
Table Games
Aseneskak Casino has a blackjack table.Poker is available as a complement to the Aseneskak’s other entertainment. Guests can play 3-Card Poker, Let It Ride, and Pai Gow Poker on the gaming floor.Roulette is playable at Aseneskak Casino.Aseneskak Casino does not have a craps table.
Poker Room
Poker tournaments (Texas Hold’em) start at 8 PM on Fridays. There are three poker tables at Aseneskak Casino. Texas Hold’em cash games are held on Wednesdays at 6 PM and Saturdays at 6:30 PM.
Accommodations
Partner Hotels
Aseneskak Casino is associated with two nearby hotels: Kikiwak Inn and Wescana Inn. Stay & Play packages are available at these sites, providing benefits for visitors to the Aseneskak. Both hotels are pet-friendly.
Let's start with the Kikiwak. This 3.5-star property is across from Aseneskak Casino in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. It has 60 rooms decked out in First Nations-style décor. A fitness centre, gym, pool, and free airport transfers come bundled into the room fee.
Guests can sample First Nation favourites such as bison stew, elk burgers and tacos, and rabbit stew at 315 Family Dining. The Kikiwak tries to accommodate local festivals to enhance diners' experience. Takeout is available. For sports fans, the Niska Lounge is a beer and cocktail bar with three TVs.
The Wescana operates out of The Pas. Another 3.5-star hotel, its rustic style belies a recent renovation. It lacks the extra features of the Kikiwak, like the swimming pool, but room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar/lounge make it ideal for people just passing through.
This hotel markets itself as an events space for weddings and other events. It has a dining "experience", a sports lounge with Video Lottery Machines, a beer store, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Hotel Packages and Deals
Standard rooms at the Kikiwak have two queen beds, a fridge, a microwave, cable TV, and a phone. Accessible rooms are available on request. From May to September, the Kikiwak offers a Northern Tipi Experience. Rooms of all descriptions must be booked directly, either on the Kikiwak website or over the phone.
The Wescana Inn is an inexpensive option for casino guests. Rooms are configured similarly to the Kikiwak (the options are a double room with two double beds or a queen room), with free Wi-Fi and parking, along with en-suite bathrooms in every room.
VIP Services and Suites
The Kikiwak Inn's elite accommodation is the McGillivary Suite. It has a king bed, a separate living and dining room, and a jacuzzi with a separate shower. The lower-tier Young Suite is similar but caters especially to larger groups, with a king bed and a pair of twin beds. It has a bathtub. Mini Suites are bookable at the Kikiwak, too.
The Wescana Inn does not provide suites.
Unfortunately, the Aseneskak Casino has a sparse online presence, so it is difficult to determine what its partner hotels’ Stay & Play packages contain or if they still exist. Call ahead at (204) 623-1800 for info about the Kikiwak. The Wescana can be reached at (204) 623-5446.
The Aseneskak Casino's loyalty program is called Trapper's Club. It's a straightforward program with a single tier. Players climb through the ranks by playing table games, poker, and bingo.
Hours of Operation
Canada's Best Little Casino opens at 1 PM every day except Sunday, when the doors open an hour later. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, the Aseneskak closes at midnight. It's open until 1 AM on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Entry Requirements
No dress code is observed at Aseneskak Casino, but visitors must be 19 or older to enter. This gaming hub prides itself on its small-town, casual vibes.
FAQs
What are Aseneskak Casino's operating hours?
They are open from 1 PM to midnight on Mondays and Wednesdays; 2 PM to midnight on Sundays; and 1 PM to 1 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Is there an age restriction for entry?
You must be 19 or older to enter. ID may be requested from guests who appear to be under 25.
Are there any dress code requirements?
No.
Are free drinks available for visitors?
Aseneskak Casino no longer offers complimentary drinks to players.
How can I book tickets for events and shows at Aseneskak Casino?
Aseneskak Casino does not offer live entertainment.